Urn still bank late 19th-early 20th century

This small wooden urn, inlaid with bone or ivory, presents a fascinating glimpse into the values of thrift and saving. Though the maker of this object is unknown, we can consider what it meant for the person who used it. During a period when financial stability was often precarious, particularly for women and marginalized communities, saving money was not merely practical, but a means of empowerment. A still bank like this one becomes more than just a repository for coins; it represents agency and control over one's future. The urn shape is suggestive, perhaps referencing the idea of storing something precious, or even the rituals around death and remembrance. The presence of a lock suggests both value and vulnerability. This small object encapsulates the complex intersections of class, gender, and personal security in an era vastly different from our own, reminding us of the deeply personal relationship people had with their savings.